Decel lane a must have for Hampton Parkway and U.S. 278

We have lived in Baynard Park off Hampton Parkway in Bluffton since 2007. Since that time, the number of houses in the Baynard Park and Parkside Communities have grown tenfold. In addition, Hampton Parkway is also used by residents of Hampton Lakes and as a shortcut to Bluffton Parkway for many individuals.

While it was bad enough to find out that we lost our ability to make a left turn onto Hampton Parkway from U.S. 278 West — while an unused “future” Hampton Parkway has that ability, imagine our dismay to learn that we also lose our decel lane while making a right turn into Hampton Parkway.

The speed of traffic through this stretch of U.S. 278 generally ranges between 55 to 70 mph. Without a decel lane here, the potential for many wrecks will occur — especially during the peak travel periods of the year.

What you may not know is that many of the residents of the Hampton Parkway area (Baynard Park, Parkside, and Hampton Lakes) who work in the Hilton Head area now must exit off the S.C. 170 ramp, turn left under U.S. 278 and get back onto U.S. 278 East to get onto Hampton Parkway. Thus, now more than ever, the decel lane is being used more than before.

Without this deceleration lane, you will see an increase in wrecks — possibly very bad wrecks, given the speed on this stretch of road. Is it really worth it?

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